The 2022 Nova Scotia Culinary Bucket List
Calling all lovers of local food and drink! Make 2022 a year to remember with this Nova Scotia Culinary Bucket List – a list of must-try meals, extraordinary culinary experiences, and fun challenges. Winter, spring, summer, and fall, check off as many things as you can while tasting your way around Nova Scotia.
1. Eat more Nova Scotia products
This year we encourage you to purchase local products as much as possible. Whether it’s produce, a sweet treat, or even a local beverage, the choice is yours! Make sure to follow @tasteofns on Instagram and Facebook for tips on sourcing in-season produce and other local food products. In Nova Scotia, you can find an abundance of local products, year round.
2. Try a new recipe
Wanting to try something new in the kitchen or something to add to your recipe list? Checkout the different recipes on our website for some inspiration! From the variations of meals, desserts, drinks and more, you can start this journey by trying out a new recipe every week! Start off your recipe endeavour with these Halibut Cheeks from Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre.
3. Explore the Culinary Trails
The Nova Scotia Good Cheer, Chowder, and Lobster trails allow you to explore the province with your taste buds. Visit trail stops, enjoy a taste of local, and earn your stamps! Our challenge for you is to earn stamps on all three of the trails. Are you up for an adventure? Visit the Culinary Trails website for more information and stay tuned for the 2022 launch of the trails this summer.
4. Download the Taste of Nova Scotia App
Planning a culinary adventure, but aren’t quite sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! The Taste of Nova Scotia Mobile App, available to download on Google Play or the App Store, features listings for more than 200 Taste members, digital passports for the Nova Scotia Culinary Trails, locally-inspired recipes, a selfie photo booth, the opportunity to map out your own adventure and so much more! Download the app today and discover the best of what Nova Scotia has to offer.
5. Take a Culinary Staycation
Staycations never go out of style. Every season provides new adventurous opportunities, make it your mission to experience it all! This year, book your overnight accommodations at Amherst Shore Country Inn, Argyler Lodge and Restaurant, Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, Fox Harb’r Resort, Glenora Inn and Distillery, Inn on the Lake, Inverary Resort, Lane’s Privateer Inn, Liscombe Lodge, Oak Island Resort (pictured), Pictou Lodge Beach Resort, Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill, Chanterelle Country Inn, Castle Rock Country Inn, Old Orchard Inn and Spa, The Flying Apron Inn and Cookery, White Point Beach Resort or Tattingstone Inn.
7. Enjoy a weekend brunch
8. Visit a U-pick
Apples, blueberries, and strawberries, oh my! Nova Scotia produces an abundance of fresh local fruit which can be enjoyed in your favourite dessert or as a nutritious snack. It’s one thing to taste the fruit, but to pick it yourself is a whole new experience! This summer and fall visit a U-Pick at Country Magic, Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms, Millen Farms, or Lunenburg County Winery.
9. Enjoy a traditional lobster supper
If you’ve never had a traditional lobster supper before, it’s time to get cracking! Try suppers from Shore Club Lobster Suppers, Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack, or Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound where you can personally pick out your own lobster, giving you a true taste of the Atlantic. If you’re looking to put on your chef’s hat and prepare your own lobster, order it fresh from Clearwater Seafoods, Fisherman’s Market, Evan’s Fresh Seafoods, or Afishionado Fishmongers.
10. Visit a restaurant in every region of the province
In Nova Scotia, we’re lucky to have restaurants that value local ingredients, community, and extraordinary dining in every region of the province. From Yarmouth to Cape Breton, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a taste of local. We challenge you to visit a restaurant in every region of the province! Visit our member directory and use our category system to find Taste of Nova Scotia member locations in every region.
11. Go on a wine tour (or beer, cider, spirits or mead!)
We know you can’t wait to check this one off! We’re dreaming of warm summer days at vineyards, sipping on delicious local wine made from the grapes that surround you. Book your tours now with Grape Escapes Wine Tours, Wine and Beer Tours of Nova Scotia, Go North Tours, Ambassatours, or the Wolfville Magic Winery Bus. If wine isn’t your drink of choice, there are plenty of tours that feature cider, beer, spirits, and mead!
12. Taste your way around the Cabot Trail
Experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands as you drive the famous Cabot Trail. What pairs well with spectacular views? Spectacular food! The trail has plenty of opportunities for pit-stops so you can truly taste your way around the island. Stop by The Dancing Goat, The Chowder House, Restaurant 100KM at Chanterelle Country Inn, and Restaurant Avalon for some delicious dining options!
13. Enjoy fresh local seafood on a patio
Summer isn’t that far away in the grand scheme of things – soon enough you’ll be able to enjoy fresh local seafood on a patio while feeling the warm rays of sunshine drape over you. Our mouths are already watering over this seafood chowder from Evan’s Fresh Seafoods and Restaurant.
14. Enjoy fresh shucked Nova Scotia oysters
The world is your oyster! Step out of your comfort zone and live 2021 to the fullest – yes, by this we mean getting your hands on fresh shucked oysters. Already a fan? Nova Scotia is home to several different oyster farms including d’Eon Oyster Company and Bay Enterprises. Why not Taste your way around the province, through oysters?
15. Have some winter fun!
Plan out your next winter adventure by enjoying some outdoor fun! Sugar Moon Farm offers access to over 30km of wilderness trails right in their backyard. The best part? Visitors are able to rent out snowshoes during the winter to make their hikes extra fun! Once you’ve finished your snowshoeing adventure, cozy up and enjoy a cup of their classic maple hot chocolate or a full maple meal! Book your snowshoeing adventure in advance on their website.
Looking for more winter activities? Authentic Seacoast Company also offers snowshoeing fun when you book a Yurt Winter Package! Not a fan of hiking? Give the outdoor skating rink at Benjamin Bridge Winery a visit! To enjoy some ice gliding fun, reserve your slot on their website!
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